Engine Failure on New 2021 Yukon AT4

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Antarick

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jun 18, 2021
Posts
10
Reaction score
4
My new 2021 Yukon with 3,000 miles on it already has had an engine failure. The dealer says a lifter failed which in turn damaged a pushrod. The worst part is that the replacement parts are on backorder with zero estimates on the delivery timing. Super disappointing on a brand new car and my first experience with GMC.

The dealer gave me an Acadia loaner that smells like vomit. If this repair drags on for an extended period of time, should I expect GM to reimburse me in some way or at least provide a Yukon loaner?
 

OR VietVet

GMT800 2005 Tahoe Z71
Navy Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2014
Posts
23,660
Reaction score
44,045
Location
Willamette Valley
GM will honor what they HAVE to honor. But, the squeaky wheel can get the grease. I would have asked for the same size vehicle as a loaner and negotiated from there. It will take some time because several members here are going thru this right now as well.
 

Stbentoak

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2020
Posts
2,241
Reaction score
2,692
I would subtly let them know that you are well aware of lemon law and how it can be applied. ( and start researching it….) I would also subtly let them know, that how you treat me in the next 30 days has everything to do with how fervently I will pursue it. I also certainly would ask for an equal New full-size vehicle to drive, not a nasty used loaner….
 
OP
OP
Antarick

Antarick

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jun 18, 2021
Posts
10
Reaction score
4
In my state, the vehicle may be considered a lemon if it sits in repair for at least 30 days. I am assuming days waiting for parts would also be included in that 30 days?
 

B520044

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2020
Posts
329
Reaction score
236
My new 2021 Yukon with 3,000 miles on it already has had an engine failure. The dealer says a lifter failed which in turn damaged a pushrod. The worst part is that the replacement parts are on backorder with zero estimates on the delivery timing. Super disappointing on a brand new car and my first experience with GMC.

The dealer gave me an Acadia loaner that smells like vomit. If this repair drags on for an extended period of time, should I expect GM to reimburse me in some way or at least provide a Yukon loaner?
I really hate to hear this. I was one of the first people to buy one of these back in July 2020. I've had 10 service visits since then, but none of my issues left me stranded.

I just put down a deposit for an AT4 and I'd hoped they would have worked out most of these bugs by now. I still like mine enough to get another one! Plus I had to take advantage of the insane trade in values! Praying my AT4 will be trouble free! Will the odds be in my favor?
 

TollKeeper

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Posts
3,564
Reaction score
7,485
Location
Brighton, CO
Talked to one of my employees with a GMC Sierra... He is now on week 5 of waiting for parts for his engine. They did give him a Brand New Chevy Silverado with the 2.7 Turbo as a loaner thou.
 

RST Dana

Elite Member
EMT/First Responder Firefighter Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2018
Posts
1,974
Reaction score
1,856
Location
OH
I was speaking with the service manager last week and heard the duramax engines have had zero issues in the 21 lineup.
 

Quark

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2020
Posts
553
Reaction score
413
Location
Atomic Nuclei
I was speaking with the service manager last week and heard the duramax engines have had zero issues in the 21 lineup.

That could indicate the rear seal and non-starting issues have been resolved or he just hasn't heard about them. GM truck forums have a little more history on this new engine.

 
Last edited:

Stbentoak

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2020
Posts
2,241
Reaction score
2,692
They’ve had some no start and some rear oil seal mis assembly issues, but they have been few and mostly resolved. Most feedback is overwhelmingly positive…..
 

Quark

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2020
Posts
553
Reaction score
413
Location
Atomic Nuclei
They’ve had some no start and some rear oil seal mis assembly issues, but they have been few and mostly resolved. Most feedback is overwhelmingly positive…..
I've been considering the DMax and so far I'm concerned with regen and my short hops to town mixed with infrequent trips. During April through October I may be on the road twice a month but through the winter I drive short errands maybe once or twice a week. Yearly mileage is below 7,000 miles.

Would like to have better fuel mileage but for the $400 per year fuel saving though a bit higher maintenance expense and inconvenience of regen and DEF I might just go for the 6.2l once they cure the lifter problem. Running midgrade would be less than diesel per gallon in my area plus the gasser is plug and play friendly, quad tailpipes (woohoo) and if I want acceleration at 70mph I'm sure it is there. Sometimes you run into a driver you just have to get far away from quickly, there is always one out there.
 

TollKeeper

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Posts
3,564
Reaction score
7,485
Location
Brighton, CO
If you dont drive around 15k miles a year, the DMax is not a engine I would buy. Your going to run into issues of the engine, and exhaust, not getting up to temp, which will result in catalyst problems, carbon problems in the EGR, Carbonization in the EGR Cooler, etc.
 

OR VietVet

GMT800 2005 Tahoe Z71
Navy Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2014
Posts
23,660
Reaction score
44,045
Location
Willamette Valley
If you dont drive around 15k miles a year, the DMax is not a engine I would buy. Your going to run into issues of the engine, and exhaust, not getting up to temp, which will result in catalyst problems, carbon problems in the EGR, Carbonization in the EGR Cooler, etc.
Yep, gotta remember, diesel is considered dirty fuel.
 

Quark

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2020
Posts
553
Reaction score
413
Location
Atomic Nuclei
If you dont drive around 15k miles a year, the DMax is not a engine I would buy. Your going to run into issues of the engine, and exhaust, not getting up to temp, which will result in catalyst problems, carbon problems in the EGR, Carbonization in the EGR Cooler, etc.

Sadly for my situation I believe you are correct. It would have been great to have had this engine when my work commute was 25 miles each way.

Perhaps by next March the lifter problem on the 6.2 will be solved.
 

Stbentoak

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2020
Posts
2,241
Reaction score
2,692
If you dont drive around 15k miles a year, the DMax is not a engine I would buy. Your going to run into issues of the engine, and exhaust, not getting up to temp, which will result in catalyst problems, carbon problems in the EGR, Carbonization in the EGR Cooler, etc.
Not really concerned…my wife’s F Pace diesel is 4 years old. Only has 31k on it. Not a sniff of an issue with it. Drives less than 5 miles 75% of trips. But wife drives 300 miles round trip once or twice a month to my daughters. That’s where it truly excels. Gets 40+ MPG on hwy.
Dmax is up to 210 degrees w/in 2 miles of leaving home. Inactivity means nothing to it. Things don’t get ”Carboned up” sitting still. Bought it for range and comfort on 1400 mile trips we take 2-3 times a year.
Have had 2 other diesels besides these current ones, for going on 17 years now. Have had some “emissions” issues, replaced a DPF or two but so did all other owners of same vehicle at same age and miles. Covered under emission warranty. They go bad and lose regen efficiency and are not a lifetime component. Diesels certainly can have problems, but I have never had an internal engine related issue on any of them…
Keep the fuel filters changed, Keep fresh DEF in them, and change oil at about 75% of recommended mileage and they will serve you well.
Didn’t sell my last one due to problems, drove it 1400 miles in 2 days before selling, and sold it the same week for 3k over private party to another owner who wanted a diesel SUV at 100k miles.
 

Quark

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2020
Posts
553
Reaction score
413
Location
Atomic Nuclei
Not really concerned…my wife’s F Pace diesel is 4 years old. Only has 31k on it. Not a sniff of an issue with it. Drives less than 5 miles 75% of trips. But wife drives 300 miles round trip once or twice a month to my daughters. That’s where it truly excels. Gets 40+ MPG on hwy.
Dmax is up to 210 degrees w/in 2 miles of leaving home. Inactivity means nothing to it. Things don’t get ”Carboned up” sitting still. Bought it for range and comfort on 1400 mile trips we take 2-3 times a year.
Have had 2 other diesels besides these current ones, for going on 17 years now. Have had some “emissions” issues, replaced a DPF or two but so did all other owners of same vehicle at same age and miles. Covered under emission warranty. They go bad and lose regen efficiency and are not a lifetime component. Diesels certainly can have problems, but I have never had an internal engine related issue on any of them…
Keep the fuel filters changed, Keep fresh DEF in them, and change oil at about 75% of recommended mileage and they will serve you well.
Didn’t sell my last one due to problems, drove it 1400 miles in 2 days before selling, and sold it the same week for 3k over private party to another owner who wanted a diesel SUV at 100k miles.

Perhaps it is those 300 mile trips once or twice a month that keeps it trouble free?
 

Stbentoak

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2020
Posts
2,241
Reaction score
2,692
Perhaps it is those 300 mile trips once or twice a month that keeps it trouble free?
It well could be, but 2 things it has in common with the Dmax are EGR after DPF and the DPF is up tight to the engine in the engine compartment. Gets it hotter quicker and keeps it hotter. I think those are both positives…
I also think in-line engines are simpler and more trouble free. IMHO…
 

Quark

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2020
Posts
553
Reaction score
413
Location
Atomic Nuclei
It well could be, but 2 things it has in common with the Dmax are EGR after DPF and the DPF is up tight to the engine in the engine compartment. Gets it hotter quicker and keeps it hotter. I think those are both positives…
I also think in-line engines are simpler and more trouble free. IMHO…

Hmm, welcoming a new experience. Keeping the new vehicle with DMax for five years would be relatively low risk. Might have to flip a coin, one side is fun and high fuel costs (though $400 a year more isn't much to factor) the other is learning a new technology and relative economy when fuel prices are increasing. I need a crystal ball for this one.

The deciding factor might be the inconvenience of stopping on a trip to get fuel earlier than otherwise necessary though if tanks were still 26 gallons that wouldn't matter.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
137,675
Posts
1,989,125
Members
102,675
Latest member
j_jerry79
Back
Top